The Poisonous Brown Recluse Spider: The Bite And Treatment

Let’s talk about one of the creatures that majority of people don’t even want to talk about…yes you got it right, SPIDERS! While exploring the internet, I found out some important and interesting facts about Brown Recluse Spiders; and thought I shall share the same with you all here.

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Introduction

Found in the United States only (South and Central), the Brown Recluse Spider needs no introduction afresh. This particular spider happens to the most common among the brown spiders but luckily; the same is found in a specific region, comprising of the following states:

Alabama                              Arkansas              Georgia               Indian

Illinois                                   Iowa                     Kentucky             Kansas

Ohio                                      Oklahoma           Louisiana             Missouri

Mississippi                          Texas                  Tennessee          Nebraska

<a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/cDBXy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>

“If you do not live in those areas, it is highly unlikely that you have a recluse spider. It is possible but incredibly unlikely.”

Source: University of California, Riverside Entomology Department.

<a href="http://www.freelarge-images.com/brown-recluse-5282/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>

How to determine whether it’s a brown recluse spider?

Unlike other 8-eyed-spiders, brown recluse spider will have six eyes, tells the Utah-based National History Museum’s invertebrate collections manager. Christy Bills, who is an entomologist, further tells that the 8-eyed-spiders’ eyes would be found in four rows (2 in each) whereas, Recluses would always have six, equal-sized eyes. These eyes are arranged in the pairs dubbed as ‘dyads.’

Does brown recluse bite?

Yes, it does. The bite is said to be pretty venomous one and it is highly advisable that should anyone bitten; he/she must waste no time in seeking emergency medical assistance. It’s a proven fact that typically, a brown recluse would only bite when its privacy is compromised (i.e. when you disturb it). However, when it bites, getting immediate treatment is a must though it has been observed that 90 percent of recluse bite patients recovered; without medical attention.

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What are the symptoms?

• Itching
• Fever
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Chills
• Discomfort
• Sickness

Treatment

Since no ‘effective commercial antivenin’ is available, the recluse bite victim must act upon the NIH’s following recommendations:

• Call 911
• Call poison control
• Get to an emergency room immediately

But prior to that, do the following:

• Wash the bite-area with soap and water
• Wrap ice in a washcloth
• Place it on the bite area and keep it wrapped for at least 10 minutes
• Remove the washcloth
• Wait for 10 minutes, and
• Repeat the process

Note: If you could take the spider along; the same could help your physician a great deal; to determine what kind of treatment would suit you the best.

Hopefully, the article served its purpose.